A new Metro station at Pitt Street is set to be named after Captain Reginald Saunders, the first indigenous Australian to serve as a commissioned army officer in Korea and WWII.
The Daily Telegraph has reported that the name decision comes after NSW Transport Minister, David Elliott, personally intervened in a departmental push to use the name ‘Gadigal Railway Station’ instead.
Mr Elliott moved to overturn the proposed name in a bid to honour Captain Saunders, who is considered a local ‘hero.’
Australia’s First Indigenous Officer, Captain Reginald Saunders. Photo: Australian War Memorial.
Captain Saunders has a strong connection to the Greek island of Crete during WWII. He was supported by the Tzangarakis family from the village of Labini in Rethymno prefecture. He evaded capture on Crete for almost one year until he finally escaped to Egypt.
On May 2016, the 42nd Street Memorial plaque was unveiled in Chania, Crete, to commemorate the Battle of 42nd Street, which Captain Reginald Saunders fought in alongside the Maori Battalion.
Minister Elliott believes the new station should include a plaque of this life story, as well as images of the Captain.
Transport for NSW formally proposed the alternative name to ‘Gadigal Railway Station’ on February 21. If it is approved by the Geographical Names Board, it will be advertised for public comment.
By Georgia Pandelios, Accredited Practising Dietitian and Owner at Nutrition Prescription.
We often recommend the traditional Mediterranean diet for various medical issues such as type 2 diabetes, infertility, heart disease, inflammatory diseases, depression and general healthy eating for the prevention of diseases like dementia or bowel cancer – because of how wonderfully nutritious it is.
It is rich in antioxidants, which work to reduce inflammation in the body, has a good balance of healthy fats – making it great for improving cholesterol levels and overall heart health, and it is especially rich in fibre which has been shown to help us mentally through the gut-brain axis, whilst also helping to make us feel fuller from meals.
Whilst us Greeks take pride in the Greek roots of the Mediterranean dietary pattern, this diet really encompasses the eating patterns of people bordering the Mediterranean Sea, which also includes Spain, Italy, Morocco, even Libya. Although our languages and cultures differ, our dinner tables have many, many similarities. It is a diet rich in grains, fruits, vegetables, seafood, extra virgin olive oil, and flavour.
It is the latter that makes it so sustainable, because to be frank, if a diet is unappealing or too hard to follow – you won’t stick to it, at least not for long – regardless of your reasons for starting it.
What foods to include in the Mediterranean diet:
Plenty of fruits and vegetables. Let the vegetables star in your dishes, with meats taking a back seat. The perfect example are kolokithokeftedes (zucchini fritters). Others include yemista or dolmades – you can have these with mince or orfana (without meat).
Extra virgin olive oil. On everything.
Legumes and pulses. I love revithokeftedes (chickpea patties), I make a large batch and freeze half so I save time in food-prep later in the week.
Fish and seafood. Try a variety of seafood, like baked calamari stuffed with rice, fish soup or saganaki prawns.
Breads or cereals that are wholegrain.
Nuts and seeds. A great source of healthy fats and fibre – be mindful of portions if trying to lose weight.
Eggs, dairy, and lean meats. These include chicken, turkey and offal.
Small amounts of red meats and wine.
Flavour – onions, garlic, herbs and spices elevate a simple dish into a mouth-watering edible piece of art. For example, tiropsomo, a bread baked with feta cheese. Without the mint and dill, it would simply be cheese bread but with these herbs, it has a complex palate that stimulates your taste buds and smell receptors at the same time – making it that much more enjoyable.
Plenty of fruits and vegetables. Let the vegetables star in your dishes, with meats taking a back seat. The perfect example are kolokithokeftedes (zucchini fritters). Others include yemista or dolmades – you can have these with mince or orfana (without meat).
Extra virgin olive oil. On everything.
Legumes and pulses. I love revithokeftedes (chickpea patties), I make a large batch and freeze half so I save time in food-prep later in the week.
Fish and seafood. Try a variety of seafood, like baked calamari stuffed with rice, fish soup or saganaki prawns.
Breads or cereals that are wholegrain.
Nuts and seeds. A great source of healthy fats and fibre – be mindful of portions if trying to lose weight.
Eggs, dairy, and lean meats. These include chicken, turkey and offal.
Small amounts of red meats and wine.
Flavour – onions, garlic, herbs and spices elevate a simple dish into a mouth-watering edible piece of art. For example, tiropsomo, a bread baked with feta cheese. Without the mint and dill, it would simply be cheese bread but with these herbs, it has a complex palate that stimulates your taste buds and smell receptors at the same time – making it that much more enjoyable.
The Mediterranean diet includes a assortment of eating behaviours or habits – not just recipes. Some of these eating behaviours involve how often we eat things like meats and sweets, sharing meals with others, eating at the table, and eating slowly – to enjoy the meal and the company.
Although not always practical, gathering or ‘foraging’ for our foods is another component. For many of us this includes learning to fish from a young age, tending to a family vegetable garden, picking fruit from Pappou’s orange tree, even picking and cleaning beans with Yiayia and her sharp little knife (yes, the one she uses to pick leafy greens with).
In my opinion, this way of eating is far superior than any other diet. It meets our needs nutritionally in a healthful and practical sense. A bigger discussion for another day, is how sustainable it is for our environment too. Following the Mediterranean-style diet teaches us how to take eating and make it a positive experience for the whole family.
Three-generation family with two small children preparing food.
If you need help aligning your diet with the Mediterranean dietary pattern, contact Nutrition Prescription for a nutrition assessment with tailored nutrition recommendations. You can book through www.nutritionprescription.com.au or email info@nutritionprescription.com.au.
Nutrition Prescription accredited practising dietitians offer nutrition consultations that are specially designed for the whole family – from infants to adults and elderly, through to highly specialised fertility-preconception, paediatric, sports nutrition and food reaction services. We can assist with all your nutrition needs, including complex and chronic conditions – in English, Greek and Portuguese.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is generalised and is not intended to replace medical or dietetic advice, nor directly manage any medical conditions. For personalised advice, please speak with your doctor or contact us via info@nutritionprescription.com.au to make an appointment with one of our Dietitians.
Ms Tsikaris has practised law for 32 years and was admitted to the Victorian Bar in 2005. She has significant experience in personal injury, public and product liability, and insurance litigation, advising both plaintiffs and defendants.
Ms Tsikaris served as senior legal adviser for medical panels providing expert legal guidance to medical professionals.
— Judicial College of Victoria (@JudicialCollege) March 1, 2022
She replaces Judge Philip Misso, who retired on 31 December 2021 and was appointed as a reserve judge of the court on 1 February 2022.
Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes has congratulated Ms Tsikaris, as well as three other judges, on their appointments.
“These new judges bring broad and extensive experience from their respective legal careers and will be excellent additions to the County Court of Victoria,” the Attorney-General said.
Christina’s potato salad (patatosalata) is a zingy, tasty no-mayo salad bursting with Mediterranean flavours including olive oil, lemon and herbs. Perfect for cookouts, potlucks, a summer side dish or picnics.
INGREDIENTS 6-8 potatos 1/2 onion, diced finely 3 garlic cloves, diced finely 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil Juice of 2 lemons Splash of vinegar eg. Red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar Salt and pepper to taste Plenty of Fresh herbs, chopped. Parsley, mint, dill and chives work well.
Soak chopped onions in bowl of lightly salted water for 10 minutes then drain. Combine with garlic, oil, lemon juice, vinegar, salt and pepper. Mix well.
Peel and Dice potatos evenly into 3 cm cubes. Place in large pot of salted boiling water. Boil on medium heat 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on potatos after 10 minute mark, they over-cook easily. Use fork to test a piece. It’s ready when it crumbles with slight resistance when halved with a fork. Do not over boil.
Top up pot with cold water then immediately drain potatos in colander. Allow to rest 5 minutes.
Place potatos in a large bowl. Add oil mixture and gently combine, being careful to not mash up the potatos.
Cover and refrigerate 1 hour to allow potatos to fuse with the wet mixture.
Remove then add fresh herbs, combine gently. Add salt only if required. Serve at room temperature.
*Keep up with Christina’s culinary adventures by following Pieces of Greece on Instagramor Facebook
The supporters of The Hellenic Initiative (THI) around the world responded strongly to its call to come to the aid of the people of Greece who were affected by the devastating fires of the summer of 2021.
Mobilising through the press, social media platforms, and especially its New Leaders young professionals group, $600,000 was raised by the global non-profit organisation that brings together Diaspora Greeks and Philhellenes to address current crises and invest in the future of Greece.
“After the Mati fires in 2019, thanks to the generous support of over 548 donors, The Hellenic Initiative was able to raise over $200,000. Last year our friends and supporters came through once again – 4200 donors donated $600,000 and we can’t thank them enough,” Andrew N. Liveris, THI Board Chairman, said.
The Hellenic Initiative raises $600,000 for Greek wildfire relief.
THI has since identified partners and projects that meet the needs of people on the ground today, strengthens Greece’s capacity to fight fires tomorrow, and heals the wounded Earth.
THI’s Venture Impact Awards (VIA) support not-for-profits and for-profits that are also focused on giving back. After the 2021 fires, THI was able to recruit one of the 2020 VIA winners – Apiceuticals, pioneers in turning the output of bees into exceptional skincare products – to help a community badly hurt by the fires.
Beekeepers in several regions in Greece lost their livelihood, but now THI is helping nearly 2 out of 3 beekeepers affected by the wildfires in Laconia and 1 out of 4 in Evia. Apiceuticals is responsible for: the purchase and delivery of 550 THI-branded beehives – 100 of which have already been delivered, bee breeding and queen rearing, training and logistics.
Beekeeping was impacted. Photo: Small Business Trends.
True to THI’s goal of not only assisting people today but helping them build a brighter future, these bee farmers could hit revenues of roughly $200,000 in the first year and double this number in year 2.
When possible, THI also helps the Greek state and municipalities build capacity for better serving their communities and responding to crises.
In partnership with the Greek authorities and the Greek Fire Service, THI identified a need to purchase pickup trucks suitable for transporting firefighting commando teams during emergencies. THI is in the process of ordering five of them, with delivery expected later this year.
The devasting fires that regularly ravage Greece threaten lives and upend families, and in their wake they also leave a scarred Earth that not only wounds the spirit of a community but also increases other dangers, like flooding. The lost trees must be replaced.
Flames rise as a wildfire burns in the village of Limni, on the island of Evia, Greece, August 6, 2021. Photo: Reuters / Nicolas Economou.
As part of THI’s efforts to make Greece a greener country, fight climate change, and stimulate the economy – especially in the countryside – the organisation has committed to planting trees that will speed nature’s recovery and generate income for the locals. THI’s staff has identified a team that will help them plant trees in areas where they are needed the most.
This effort will be part of a much wider campaign that THI will launch inviting people from across the globe to contribute to the reforestation of Greece. In exchange for their donation, they will receive a certificate that identifies the tree they helped plant in the Homeland.
“With these endeavors, THI’s unmatched ability in the Diaspora to both raise money and identify the best way to use those funds for the short and long term needs of Greece and its people is on display in a very moving way,” George P. Stamas, THI Board President, said.
Peter Poulos, THI’s Executive Director, added: “once again tragedy reminds us of our unwavering commitment to Greece. The people of Greece appreciate that they can always depend on the generosity of our supporters and the vision of THI’s leaders.”
Several trafficked antiquities seized from billionaire hedge fund founder, Michael Steinhardt, have been returned to Greece after a year-long investigation into the acquisition of his art collection.
At a handover ceremony on February 23, the Greek Culture Minister, Dr Lina Mendoni, thanked federal investigators and the office’s Antiquities Trafficking Unit, led by Assistant District Attorney Mathew Bogdanos, for working with Greek officials to identify items.
“The illegal trafficking of our country’s cultural treasures is a serious trauma that hurts all Greeks all over the world,” she said. “We work systematically to stop this crime.”
Amongst the artefacts is a sculpture of a young man from approximately 560 BC, known as a Kouros. This piece alone is worth roughly 14 million dollars, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg told local media.
The district attorney’s office accused Steinhardt of relying on a “sprawling underworld of antiquities traffickers, crime bosses, money launderers and tomb raiders” to build his collection.
The deal to return all the pieces was announced in December last year, with Steinhardt told to surrender 70 million dollars worth of artefacts acquired illegally from not only Greece, but from countries like Egypt, Israel, Syria, and Turkey.
ICYMI: We returned 55 antiquities valued at over $20 million to the people of Greece as part of a multi-national criminal investigation into one of the world’s largest ancient art collectors: https://t.co/qRlBmdOZv3 cc: @GreeceinNewYork
According to this agreement, Steinhardt will not face any criminal charges but is subject to an unprecedented lifetime ban on acquiring any other antiquities.
A spokesperson for the district attorney said a total of 55 artifacts worth over 20 million dollars have been sent back to Greece, where they will be handed to regional museums depending on where they were originally from.
Any bid by Israel to improve strained ties with Turkey won’t come at the expense of its “strategic relationship” with neighbouring Cyprus, the Israeli president said Wednesday.
Isaac Herzog was speaking after talks with his Cypriot counterpart, Nicos Anastasiades, at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia, Cyprus.
Herzog said he’s aware next week’s visit to Turkey has touched a raw nerve in ethnically-split Cyprus, but added that “nothing in my visit and what would ensue will be on the account of this strategic relationship with your country.”
He said Israel seeks to strengthen relations and pursue dialogue with all nations and all faiths, including Turkey.
The past few years have seen a fast and sound development of our relations. Significant political capital was invested for bringing us where we are today; in a forward-looking strategic partnership and a friendship of proven strength and resilience. 🇨🇾🇮🇱 pic.twitter.com/fuEL7g9o22
— Nicos Anastasiades (@AnastasiadesCY) March 2, 2022
“We have to… if possible to lower the tension and move on in a true dialogue that would definitely include issues of climate and the economy,” Herzog said.
Herzog and Anastasiades also discussed the ongoing conflict with Ukraine during their talks, as well as the trilateral relationship with Greece and the ongoing energy cooperation between the countries.
“The fact that the war in Ukraine greatly impacts the energy supply and its prices, reinforces even more the argument and the belief that the EU needs diversified and stable energy supplies to guarantee its energy security,” Anastasiades said.
The Eastern Mediterranean, he added, could prove highly beneficial to the EU’s energy security.
President @Isaac_Herzog has long been a true friend of Cyprus. In recognition of his friendship and contribution to our bilateral ties & in honor of his effort to fight of #antisemitism and promote universal values,I have awarded him the Grand Collar of the Order of Makarios III. pic.twitter.com/htIapcNTJG
— Nicos Anastasiades (@AnastasiadesCY) March 2, 2022
“Cyprus and Israel participate in projects that fit very well into this discourse. The East Med pipeline, if proven technically and financially viable, can provide gas and hydrogen, thus diversifying European supply routes and adapting to various needs of the market,” Anastasiades said.
The Cypriot President also briefed Herzog about the latest developments on the Cyprus problem, thanking him for his stance against Turkey and for Israel’s commitment to reunify the island.
The Israeli president was then awarded with the Grand Collar of the Order of Makarios the Third during the ceremony, “for the contribution and future efforts in promoting universal values and enhancing the ties between the two nations.”
The Greek government has approved a multibillion-dollar proposal to upgrade the country’s naval forces, the largest modernisation plan in two decades for the country.
Greece will spend 2.26 billion euros to purchase three Belharra frigates from French defence contractor Naval Group over the next four years. Athens may also exercise their option to purchase another Belharra frigate and four corvettes next year.
The Belharra frigate is equipped with advanced weaponry not currently deployed by any other forces in the Aegean. This vessel features the latest version of the Exocet anti-ship cruise missile, able to strike targets up to 200 kilometres away.
“The basic thing the Belharra will offer the Greek armed forces is to break Turkish numerical superiority in the air. It will clear the airspace and offer naval forces the opportunity to operate,” a Greek naval officer told Aljazeera.
Naval Group has a long track record of successful transfers of technology across the world. Construction of the 1st frigate in France will ensure delivery to the Hellenic Navy in the shortest timeframe and secure the transfer of technology to allow construction of the other 3 frigates in Greece.
While the world is watching war break out in Ukraine after Russia’s invasion, there are growing concerns for Greece that another war may be imminent in the Aegean after rising tensions with Turkey.
These tensions between Greece and Turkey have increased due to debates over territorial waters and sovereign rights to undersea resources such as oil and minerals.
Naval Group, France
Greece’s need to prepare strong naval deterrents has also been driven by growing concerns of the knowledge of Turkey’s own shipbuilding programme.
This newly announced transfer of technology will ensure long-term autonomy for the Hellenic Navy and significant economic benefits for the Hellenic naval and defence industries and for the supply chain in Greece.
On this day in 1857, Bulgari founder Sotirios Voulgaris was born. Bulgari is one of the world’s most famous jewellery brands today, and to honour its founder, The Greek Herald is looking back at his life.
Early life:
Sotirios Voulgaris was born to George Voulgaris and Eleni Strougari in the Greek village of Kalarites (Epirus, Greece) on 5 March 1857.
Voulgaris was one of eleven children and the only to survive and continue the family tradition of a life as a jeweller.
His passion for jewellery started with his grandfather Constantine, who was a street vendor in the villages of Epirus.
Due to problems the family faced with Ottoman authorities that still occupied Epirus at the time, the Voulgaris family was forced to move to Naples, Italy.
Sotirios with his parents, George Voulgaris and Eleni Strougari
Work:
In Naples, the family opened their first gold jewellery shop however, due to the heavy crime culture of the time, the shop was forced to close after multiple burglaries.
In 1881, Sotirios Voulgaris and his family moved to Rome.
Three years later, in 1884, he founded his company and opened his second shop in Via Sistina.
The store in Via Sistina was then replaced by the current flagship store in Via dei Condotti opened in 1905 by Bulgari with the help of his two sons, Constantino and Giorgio.
The Ministry of Culture has introduced an initiative within the framework of the ‘Cultural Routes’ program to restore important monuments in northern Greece inscribed on the UNESCO protection list.
These monuments include the church of Panagia Acheiropoietos in Thessaloniki, the Palaeologan frescoes in the churches of Agia Aikaterini, Agios Nikolaos Orfanos and Profitis Ilias, the Orta mosque in Veria, the central church of Maximianoupolis in Komotini and other important monuments.
A total of 11.6 million euros will be allocated from the resources of the Recovery Fund for the creation of two of five pilgrimage routes. “In the Steps of the Apostle Paul” will be allocated 2.7 million euros while the “Egnatia Road” will be given 7.9 million euros as it covers a large part of northern Greece.
Nestors Palace in Pylos, Messinia
The 300 km-long cultural route includes the stations of the Second Apostolic Tour includes places like Kavala, Amphipolis, Philippi, Apollonia and others, while the places that St Paul visited by sea include Samothrace, Athens, Keghres, Ancient Corinth, and Nikopolis.
The second route will include the maintenance of the Rotunda in Thessaloniki, the restoration of the Palaeologan frescoes in the churches of Aghia Aikaterini, Aghios Nikolaos Orfanos and Profitis Ilias and the restoration of the Bey Hammam baths built in 1444.
The Ministry of Culture recently approved the third cultural route “Monumental works of Cyclops and people during the Mycenaean period,” which will have the fundamentals of Mycenaean architecture with a budget of 500,000 euros.
Stations of the route will be Dimini, the citadel of Gla, the vaulted tomb of “Minya” in Orchomenos, the citadels of Mycenae, Tiryns and Midea, the vaulted tombs of Messinia, and the palace of Nestor.
These historical monuments have been a crucial part of Greece’s culture and the investment by the Ministry of Culture has ensured that the future generation has access to these incredible pieces of history.
